
NS Design's WAV series of electric upright basses are high-quality, affordable instruments. They are available in four or five string models, with several colour options, including transparent red, amber burst, piano black, and gloss white. The WAV bass features a veneer flame (or opaque) top and gloss finish, lightweight tripod stand, and Asian-made tuning machines. The electronics are fully based on the NS patented Polar™ Pickup System, which includes a toggle switch between Arco and Pizzicato mode. The WAV bass is compact and lightweight, making it an excellent choice for musicians on the move. It comes equipped with a stand and padded gig bag.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Body/Neck | Solid, straight grain maple neck and body |
| Strings | 4 or 5 (Low B) |
| Colors | Transparent Red, Amber Burst, Piano Black, Gloss White |
| Bridge Pickup | The Polar piezo pickup system responds selectively to either vertical vibration (for the sustained plucked sound, like an electric bass guitar) or lateral vibration (for dynamic bowing, and a percussive plucked sound) |
| Electronics & Controls | Passive circuit with high impedance output, no batteries required. Volume control, tone control (treble roll off) and a switch to select between Arco and Pizzicato mode |
| NXT/WAV Tripod Stand | Standard with the NXTa, black painted steel, fully adjustable, self-standing tripod design. Folds for easy storage and fits into the NXT gig bag. Weight is 2.7 kg (6 lbs.) |
| CR Tripod Stand | Optional fully adjustable steel tripod stand. Weight is 3.6kg (8 lbs.) |
| Bass End Pin Stand | The Bass End Pin Stand offers full freedom of movement. Height, tilt and “right bout” angle are fully adjustable providing a more conventional feel |
| Gig Bag | Padded gig bag with a handle, adjustable backpack straps and a large front zipper pocket with room for cables and gear |
| Warranty | NS Design will cover all defects in material and workmanship for two years from the date of purchase. They will repair or replace any instrument or part thereof found to be defective |
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What You'll Learn

NS Design Electric Strings
The electronics of the NS Design Electric Strings are based on the NS patented Polar™ Pickup System. This system includes a toggle switch between Arco and Pizzicato modes, allowing for a range of sounds. The Arco mode provides a traditional acoustic response for bowing and a percussive plucked sound, while the Pizzicato mode offers a uniquely even and sustained plucked sound. The Polar piezo pickup system selectively responds to either vertical vibration for a sustained plucked sound or lateral vibration for dynamic bowing and a percussive plucked sound.
The NS Design Electric Strings are designed to be lightweight and compact, making them convenient for travelling musicians. They come equipped with a stand and a padded gig bag, which includes storage compartments for accessories. The instruments offer easy adjustability and excellent playability, allowing players to tweak the neck relief and string heights to suit their personal playing style.
The NS Design Electric Strings have a long history and have been refined over decades, gaining popularity among bassists worldwide. The basses are known for their attractive and ergonomic design, merging the best features of an electric bass guitar and an upright bass. NS Design also offers a range of accessories, such as different tripod stands, strap systems, and a flight case, to enhance the playing experience.
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NS Design Bass Sound
NS Design basses are known for their distinctive shape and clean, modern aesthetic. The NS Design WAV series is an affordable option for musicians seeking a high-quality electric upright bass. The WAV bass is available in four colours (Transparent Red, Amber Burst, Piano Black, and Gloss White) and offers a veneer flame (or opaque) top and gloss finish. The series includes 4 and 5 string models, with several colour choices.
The WAV bass features a solid maple body and neck with a graduated fingerboard, delivering a rich and full tone. The piezo-powered passive electronics provide a natural tone with unlimited overhead, allowing for extraordinary performance without the need for batteries. The WAV bass also includes a convenient toggle switch between Arco and Pizzicato modes, offering a range of sound options for players.
To achieve a more authentic upright bass sound from the NS Design WAV, players can experiment with different strings and adjust the action of the bass. Using strings with quick decay, short sustain, and a more blunt attack to notes can counterbalance the electric nature of the bass. Additionally, raising the action can improve the sound by allowing for a more vigorous plucking motion and creating a more blooming tone.
The NS Design basses are designed by Ned Steinberger, who has redefined the world of electric instruments since the early '80s. Steinberger's innovative approach eliminates the need for a headstock, increasing tuning stability and balanced temperament. The NS Design WAV bass, with its combination of design, performance, and affordability, is a popular choice for bassists seeking a versatile and portable instrument.
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NS Design Bass Models
The NS Design WAV series includes the WAVc, which is the newest version with a Coform fingerboard, providing a wood-like finish, resonance, and improved stability. The WAVc model is known for its high quality, inspected and set up by the NS Design crew, and features passive electronics, a Polar Pickup switch, and easy adjustability. The WAV series also has the WAV Radius Bass Guitar, designed by Ned Steinberger, which offers a comfortable and secure playing experience with a broad tone palette. This model includes a padded gig bag and features a dual pickup system with master volume and balance controls.
The NS Design CR, NXT, and NXTa models are also mentioned as alternatives to the WAV series, with the CR series offering a five-year warranty on defects in material and workmanship. To achieve a more authentic upright sound, bassists can experiment with different strings, such as the Pirastro Obligatos or the D'Addario NS Electric "Traditional" Strings, and adjust the action and playing technique. Overall, NS Design Bass Models offer a range of options for bassists, combining performance, affordability, and innovative features.
The NS Design Bass Models are designed by Ned Steinberger, who is known for his clean, modern, and ergonomic design aesthetic. The basses are crafted with a distinctive shape and are available in various grades and models to suit different preferences and playing styles. The NS Design Bass Models are popular among both famous and up-and-coming musicians worldwide.
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NS Design Bass Setup
The NS Design WAV Bass is a popular electric upright bass option for bassists. It is designed by Ned Steinberger, who aimed to create a "crossover" instrument that combines the best features of an electric bass guitar and an upright bass. The result is an instrument that offers new, exciting tones and playability options. The NS Design WAV Bass has a distinctive shape and is known for its attractive and ergonomic design.
The NS Design WAV Bass is available in four colours: Transparent Red, Amber Burst, Piano Black, and Gloss White. It features a veneer flame (or opaque) top and a gloss finish. All models come in 4 and 5 string options and are equipped with Asian-made tuning machines. The electronics are passive and include treble roll-off and volume controls. The Polar Pickup switch allows players to change between Arco and Pizzicato modes, providing a range of sounds.
The NS Design WAV Bass comes with a lightweight tripod stand, a stand conversion kit, and soft cases for the bass and stands. It is also available with an optional hard-shell flight case. The bass has a solid maple body and neck with a graduated fingerboard, delivering a rich and full tone. The adjustable bridge and two-way truss rod allow players to customise the neck relief and string heights to suit their playing style.
To achieve a more "authentic" upright sound from the NS Design WAV Bass, it is recommended to use strings that produce a quick decay, short sustain, and a more blunt attack to notes. Pirastro Obligatos and D'Addario NS Electric "Traditional" Strings are popular choices for this purpose. Additionally, raising the action on the bass can improve the playability and sound.
The NS Design WAV Bass is an excellent choice for musicians on the move, offering a combination of design, performance, and affordability. It is a versatile instrument that can adapt to various musical styles with its easy adjustment of basic setup parameters and interchangeable performance support systems.
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NS Design Bass Reviews
NS Design, founded by Ned Steinberger in 1990, is known for its innovative electric instruments, including basses, bass guitars, cellos, violas, and violins. Steinberger revolutionised the industry by addressing an inherent flaw in the headstock of traditional instrument designs, which caused variable string lengths and avoidable string tension issues. By eliminating the need for a headstock, he improved tuning stability and balanced temperament.
NS Design's bass instruments have been praised for their performance, comfort, and freedom of musical expression. The company offers a variety of bass guitars and upright basses, including the Radius series, which features Steinberger's quintessential headless design, extraordinary stability and sustain, and comfortably carved backs. The top-notch electronics and NS Polar™ Pickup system provide a range of tones that rival other bass guitars.
The NS Design WAV series is another notable line of bass instruments, designed to meet the needs of a specific audience while providing excellent features. The CR series, positioned at the top of the NS Design lineup, offers full-scale, one-of-a-kind, four- and five-string electric upright basses. These basses provide full mobility to the player, allowing them to play in various positions without stress and fatigue.
NS Design's instruments are used by a wide range of artists, covering different musical genres, cultures, and traditions. The company's innovative designs and high-quality instruments have earned them a reputation for excellence in the music industry. NS Design's basses, in particular, are known for their stability, playability, and exceptional sound, making them a popular choice for both live performances and studio sessions.
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Frequently asked questions
The NS Design Wave Electric Bass is an upright bass that captures the essence of an acoustic bass while offering new possibilities. It is available in four or five string models and comes in four colours: Transparent Red, Amber Burst, Piano Black, and Gloss White.
The NS Design Wave Bass features the NS patented Polar™ Pickup System, which includes a toggle switch between Arco and Pizzicato mode. It also has passive electronics with high impedance output and no batteries required. The solid maple body and neck deliver a rich, full tone. The bass is compact and lightweight, making it excellent for travelling musicians.
The NS Design Wave Bass is compatible with NS Electric Strings and most traditional acoustic strings. For a more traditional sound, strings such as the Pirastro Obligatos are a good option. The NS Design Bass's tuning machines are similar to bass guitar tuners, so very heavy-gauge strings typically cannot be accommodated.
The NS Design Wave Bass comes with a deluxe gig bag, owner's manual, and tool kit. Optional accessories include a German or French Bass Bow, CR Stand Conversion Kit, Bass Neck Heel (Thumbstop), Frame Strap System, Boomerang™ Strap System, and a Flight Case.











































